MATCH REPORT: Wanderers win derby as Woodbridge sink without a trace

Woodbridge Town were well beaten by local rivals Ipswich Wanderers with the Peckers ending the year on a disappointing loss.

Having not beaten Ipswich Wanderers for a number of years, Saturday presented a great opportunity for Woodbridge to finally get one over their local rivals. Starting the day above Wanderers in the table, Peckers’ fans were optimistic that the lads could come away with a victory. However, it was the away side who took advantage of a below-par performance from Woodbridge to hold the bragging rights for the time being.

The derby started slowly, with both sides struggling to create anything of note in the opening exchanges. The first shot on target came from Andy Crowe, who saw a curled effort claimed comfortably by Ryan Lees. The Peckers kept the pressure on, and once again Lees was called into action to tip Ryan Marsh’s freekick over the bar. Moments later, Wanderers came back at the hosts with a couple of chances - the best of which was a low driven effort that forced a strong save from Hurst. 

With neither side really deserving of a lead, it felt that 0-0 would have been a fair scoreline at the break. However, as the clock hit 45, a cross from the Wanderers’ right hand side floated all the way through and into the far corner to give the away side the lead. Woodbridge were left frustrated, as Toby Hurst was clattered into as the ball came in. After much deliberation and a conversation with his assistant, the referee allowed the goal to stand. Half time came, with Ipswich Wanderers leading what felt like an even match so far.

When you’re trailing at the break to your local rivals, you would expect to see a reaction in the second half. But, once again, Woodbridge were slow out the blocks and never really got going. The biggest opportunity to level for the Peckers came in the 64th minute, as substitute Liam Ablitt played a brilliant ball towards Dines-Ferrarge at the back post. Despite finding himself unmarked, the Woodbridge youngster couldn’t quite get on the end of it - any contact would have been enough to find the back of the net. 

It felt like the hosts could have used that chance to gain some momentum, but all hope was lost minutes later when the away side doubled their lead. A mistake from ex-Wanderer Kris Rose allowed in-form Luke Spurling to slot it past Hurst and seal the derby day win for Wanderers. There was no fightback from Woodbridge and the final 20 minutes went by with the visiting fans in full voice, and the Peckers supporters once again going home disappointed.

A frustrating result for Woodbridge, who know the performance was nowhere near good enough to challenge for victory. There was a lack of fight and grit from the lads, who failed to match the intensity of their rivals from minute one. A shame to end 2025 on a bad note, but rest assured the lads will be looking to bounce back against Harleston Town next weekend. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Homestyle UK Ground for this clash, as the Peckers saw their highest attendance of the season. We appreciate all your support, and look forward to welcoming you all back in the new year. Let’s regroup, come back stronger, and as always, UP THE PECKERS!